Column: 'Critical Reception: Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends'

This week's Critical Reception takes a look at a follow up to the popular Rise of Nations in Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends, developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft. Garnering a GameRankings.com average of 82%, GameRadars' Matt Peckham opines that Rise of Legends "'borrows' elements from several hits to create an extension, but not a reinvention. Take Civilization's borders and attrition rates, mix in the Conquer the World campaign (think Total War only not as deep), then add city districts, a trim two-resource economy and tactically distinctive heroes." In scoring the game a balanced 80% he sums up, "Rise of Legends is exactly what anyone craving an eclectic director's cut of Rise of Nations could want, and just as playable, thanks in part to three well-balanced antagonists. If it's not terribly inventive, well, there's always Rise of Nations 2, right?" You can read the full Gamasutra column for more, including reception from consumer review sites GameSpot and 1UP (no registration required, please feel free to link to this column from external websites).